Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) or SoftPOS – The Next Generation of Mobile Payment Solutions
Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) or SoftPOS provides an efficient and innovative solution for any business – regardless of size or industry. With an mPOS/SoftPOS system, companies can offer their customers a variety of flexible, secure, and terminal-free payment options that meet today's consumer expectations. With this technology, payments can be accepted anytime and anywhere, such as in stationary retail, at market stalls, with delivery services or at events. The easy implementation and quick deployment ensure that both employees and customers benefit from high user-friendliness. Introducing a mPOS/SoftPOS system is thus an extremely worthwhile investment, as modern customers place particular importance on convenience, speed, and flexibility. By utilizing this technology, businesses can not only increase their efficiency but also significantly enhance customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to higher customer loyalty and increased revenue.
What is an mPOS/SoftPOS System?
A “Mobile Point of Sale” (mPOS) or SoftPOS is the mobile evolution of a traditional cash register. It is installed on portable devices like smartphones or tablets and enables direct card payment processing at the customer's location – without additional hardware such as a stationary terminal.
mPOS/SoftPOS solutions can be used anywhere in the business or even outside. They improve customer service, optimize business processes, and enable functions like:
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Access to product and customer data
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Accepting payments at any location
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Reducing waiting times
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Mobile goods receipt capturing
These systems are platform-independent (e.g., iOS or Android) and can be used as a stand-alone solution or integrated into existing POS systems. Depending on the version, the system consists of just an app or a combination of app and card reader device.
Available Technologies for mPOS/SoftPOS Systems
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QR code payments: Customers scan a QR code with their smartphone to complete the payment.
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Near Field Communication (NFC): Payments with mobile wallets such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.
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Magnetic Stripe Technologies (MST/MSR): Payment via smartphone signal or external reader.
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EMV: Secure processing of chip cards (Europay, Mastercard, Visa)
Difference from Traditional Terminals
Classic EC terminals, commonly found in many stores and restaurants, are often stationary devices. These typically require additional hardware components, such as card slots or external printers, and due to their nature, are fixed in a specific location, which significantly limits their flexibility. An mPOS/SoftPOS system, on the other hand, represents a modern solution that is far more mobile, flexible, and less dependent on a physically fixed infrastructure. With these systems, payments can be received in an innovative way, directly where customer contact is made – be it at the dining table of a cozy restaurant, in a busy taxi navigating through city streets, or at a lively fair bustling with activity. This way, it is possible to receive payments anywhere and increase convenience for both customers and operators alike.
Advantages of an mPOS/SoftPOS System
1. Increased revenue: Shorter waiting times and flexible payment options demonstrably increase revenue. Loyalty programs can be implemented directly at the point of sale.
2. Personalized customer consultation: Thanks to mobile payment processing, individual consultation is possible without interrupting the payment process – a key factor for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Shorter queues: With mPOS/SoftPOS, transactions can be processed faster and self-checkout options can be easily implemented – even in outdoor areas.
4. Efficient inventory and price management: The system can be seamlessly linked with Smartstore and provides real-time information on stocks and prices.
5. Digital receipts: Receipts can be sent digitally immediately, which is not only convenient but also offers marketing potential.
6. Lower hardware requirements: Ideal for pop-up stores or trade fairs – often a smartphone or tablet is sufficient for all payment processes.
7. Security and compliance: mPOS/SoftPOS systems use the latest encryption technologies and meet the highest PCI-DSS standards.
8. Scalability: Cloud-based solutions grow with your business – additional devices and users can be easily added.
mPOS/SoftPOS as a Backup Cash Register
In the event of an unforeseen failure of the main cash register system, which can arise due to various reasons such as technical malfunctions or network outages, a retail company has the option to use an independent mPOS/SoftPOS system as a reliable emergency register. This type of system is extremely versatile and flexible, designed as a mobile point-of-sale system (mPOS) or a software-based point-of-sale system (SoftPOS). This means it operates independently of the main infrastructure and, therefore, does not require access to the central networks to accept and process payments. As a result, the ability to process payments remains unrestricted even in emergencies when the main system is unreachable. This independence is ensured by the “shared-nothing” architecture structure, which prevents a problem in one system component from affecting other components.
Customers benefit from being able to complete their purchases without interruption using different payment methods, while the business can minimize losses due to system failures.
Summary
An mPOS/SoftPOS system is a future-proof investment that not only increases your revenue but also optimizes your processes in stationary retail, at events, or on the go. Thanks to the Smartstore base, such systems can be activated and used immediately without complex integrations. The continuous development of this technology ensures that it will also meet future requirements. Smartstore also enables the seamless integration of various mPOS/SoftPOS devices – from “Scan & Go” to self-checkout options to full-fledged POS systems.
Supplement from Smartstore Version 6: Tap to Pay with Stripe
The term used by Stripe “Tap to Pay” is synonymous with a modern mPOS/SoftPOS system. Merchants can accept payments anywhere: in the store, at events, in pop-up stores, or at the customer's location.
Another highlight is the integration of the entire SUNMI POS hardware via their IoT platform. Whether stationary terminals, mobile POS systems, or portable printers – they can all be seamlessly combined with Tap to Pay, significantly expanding the possibilities in retail.
Thanks to NFC technology, contactless payments with cards and digital wallets are processed securely and quickly. Smartstore ensures easy, secure, and efficient transaction processing while meeting the highest data protection and security requirements.
Conclusion
By combining Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) or SoftPOS, Smartstore offers a state-of-the-art, flexible, and secure payment solution that is perfectly tailored to the requirements of modern retail. This technology not only improves the customer experience but also gives you a clear competitive advantage through higher mobility, lower hardware costs, and maximum efficiency.
Do you have any questions on this topic? Or would you like to send us your feedback? You can reach us via the contact form, by email at info@smartstore.com or by phone from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm at the number +4923153350.